We have been successful at retriever competitions for almost 40 years. Woody Thurman of Twin Lakes Kennel, has produced dozens of Master Hunter Labrador retrievers. Despite our incredible success at the field trials, we are most interested in helping our clients to own and handle the world’s best Labrador Retrievers. Our commitment to that goal has never faltered.
We are very proud of titling more than 200 AKC Master Hunter Labrador Retrievers. Woody has also qualified 47 retrievers at AKC Master Nationals. He has won the Ducks Unlimited Open Championships twice. But we are most proud of…
-Woody Thurman
About Woody Thurman: Woody and Judi Thurman of Twin Lakes Kennel have been breeding and training world class Labrador Retrievers for more than 35 years. Twin Lakes Kennel is the number #1 resource for Labrador Retriever puppies. We select from the most dominant American field bloodlines and breed for natural hunting instinct and tractability. Our Labs, both puppies and adults, are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country. The end results are the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retrievers possible, making them a most desirable family pet.
More than eight thousand (8,000) Labrador Retrievers have been bred and trained during those thirty-five years. During this time, Woody has titled more than 200 AKC Master Hunter Labrador Retrievers. Woody has also qualified 47 retrievers at AKC Master Nationals. He has won the Ducks Unlimited Open Championships twice. In addition, two of his Labs, Drake and Rondy, bred and trained at Twin Lakes Kennel, are in the Master National Hall of Fame.
Our Labrador Retriever puppies are the culmination of a 30 year search for the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retriever possible. We select from the most dominant American field bloodlines and breed for natural hunting instinct and tractability. Our puppies begin a structured socialization program in the litter box and are introduced to birds at six weeks.
All our Labrador Retriever Puppies carry a guarantee against hereditary defects and to have basic retrieving instincts. Parents of all our Labrador Retriever puppies are physically sound with certified hips and eyes. They are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country.
We guarantee all our Labrador Retriever puppies to be free from hereditary defects.
Call Woody and Judi at (910) 462-3246 for more information.
Discover which breed is the perfect fit for your family and lifestyle
When choosing a dog, understanding the differences between breeds, like the Labrador vs. Chesapeake Bay Retriever, is important for making an informed decision. Both are popular water-loving breeds known for their loyalty and intelligence.
However, these two breeds have distinct qualities that make them better suited for different lifestyles. The following comparison will help you determine which breed aligns with your home and activity level.
| KEY FACTORS | LABRADOR | CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Easy-going, friendly, sociable, family-oriented | Independent, reserved, protective, loyal |
| Training & Intelligence | Highly trainable, eager to please, good for first-time owners | Intelligent but stubborn, requires experienced owner |
| Exercise Needs | High energy, loves outdoor activities, running, swimming | High energy, loves water-related activities, great swimmer |
| Health & Lifespan | 10-12 years, prone to hip dysplasia, weight gain | 10-12 years, prone to hip/elbow dysplasia |
| Ideal For | Families, first-time dog owners, active households | Experienced dog owners, active households |
Labradors are often recognized for their easy-going nature and friendly demeanor. They are known to be highly sociable dogs, making them great companions for families, children, and other pets. Their calm and patient temperament means they adapt well to various living environments, from homes to active farms.
One area where they are less suited is personal protection, as Labradors are not typically used as attack or guard dogs due to their naturally friendly demeanor.
In contrast, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is more independent and reserved, though it is still friendly with its family. While Chessies are loyal and affectionate, they may be a little more protective and wary of strangers than Labradors. Their strong, confident personalities make them well-suited to experienced dog owners.
Labradors are renowned for their intelligence and eagerness to please, which makes them highly trainable. Either for hunting, service work, or simply being a family pet, Labradors excel in obedience and enjoy learning new tasks. Their willingness to work with their owners makes them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.
On the other hand, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is equally intelligent but tends to be more stubborn and independent. While they can be trained, they require an owner who understands how to assert authority without being overly harsh. For this reason, they are better suited for those with more dog-training experience.
Both breeds enjoy active lifestyles and benefit from regular exercise. Labradors are known for their boundless energy and love for outdoor activities such as running, swimming, and playing fetch. They thrive in environments where they can engage in physical and mental stimulation.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, while also energetic, is more focused on water-related activities. Chessies are natural swimmers and often enjoy activities like retrieving from water, which makes them an excellent choice for owners with access to lakes, ponds, or oceans. Both dogs will do well in homes with space and access to outdoor areas for exercise.
Labradors generally live 10 to 12 years and are overall healthy dogs. Like many larger breeds, they can be susceptible to hip dysplasia and weight gain if their diet and activity are not carefully managed. Regular check-ups and maintaining an active lifestyle are key for their health.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a similar lifespan of 10 to 12 years but is generally considered a robust breed. However, they are more prone to certain genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which may require careful monitoring. Both breeds benefit from a balanced diet, regular vet visits, and maintaining a healthy weight.
When choosing between the Labrador vs. Chesapeake Bay Retriever, consider your lifestyle and preferences. If you are looking for a friendly, easy-to-train companion, the Labrador may be the better fit.
Nevertheless, if you have a more active lifestyle and prefer a dog with a strong independent streak, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever could be the ideal choice. Both breeds are incredibly loyal and make great pets, but their differences may make one more suitable for your needs than the other.
At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have over 45 years of experience in breeding and training American Labradors. Our exclusive breeding standards make sure that each puppy we produce is an “American field lab with superior DNA.” Regardless if you are looking for a hunting companion, competition dog, or a loving family pet, our American Labs meet the highest standards.
We encourage all potential buyers to visit us in person to choose their perfect puppy, which will then be flown to your local airport. Our expertise and nationwide shipping make it easier for you to find the right Labrador for your home.
Contact us today to learn more.
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
